What is a HERS Rating? (California Title 24 Energy Code)
Updated: Jan 11
Brief summary on HERS Rating and costs associated with this service. Here at MPDLA, it is our goal to provide current and up-to-date information for consumers to assist them into making informed decisions when hiring a HERS Rater.
The HERS Program, also called the Field Verification and Diagnostic Testing Program, is a way to ensure that the various features of a home meet the California Building Energy Efficiency Standards (Energy Code). If work requires HERS testing, a rater will perform field verification and diagnostic testing on the appropriate features. If the system fails, the contractor is required to fix it. (CEC)
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What is a HERS Rating?
The HERS Program, also called the Field Verification and Diagnostic Testing Program, is a way to ensure that the various features of a home meet the California Building Energy Efficiency Standards (Energy Code). If work requires HERS testing, a rater will perform field verification and diagnostic testing on the appropriate features. If the system fails, the contractor is required to fix it. (CEC).
When Is HERS Rating Required?
Depending on the work being done, HERS testing may be mandatory. Properly permitted work will trigger any necessary HERS testing. A contractor should understand and be able to explain permitting requirements to the homeowner. HERS testing should be part of this discussion. (CEC).
HERS Rating Cost in Los Angeles & Surrounding Areas
Based on 2023 market research, HERS rating companies charge anywhere between $250 and $350. The cost may increase based on square footage and number of HVAC units installed on each property.
How To Hire a HERS Rater?
It is the homeowner’s right to hire their HERS rater, but contractors may offer to take that responsibility. The homeowner should be aware of what to expect and ensure that the rater is a HERS provider certified Field Verification and Diagnostic Testing rater.
Who Are the HERS Providers?
Approved by the CEC, HERS providers are companies who train, certify, and oversee the performance and behavior of HERS raters. They are also approved to operate data registries. A registry is where project compliance forms (the forms hosting the data on the particular energy efficiency feature) are completed and stored for review by the builder or contractor, building department officials, CEC staff, and the building owner. These registries may be found on the provider’s website and may be accessible to the homeowner.
What Does a HERS Rater Do?
The rater should identify themselves with a photo badge and explain the tests to be performed. A visit will vary in length depending on the features being measured.
The rater will inspect and interact with the home’s various features (HVAC equipment, air ducts and vents, and thermostat). Most visits also require access to the home's circuit breaker panel. The tests could require walking on the roof or going inside an attic or crawlspace. You might be asked to close windows and exterior doors and turn off your clothes dryer or bathroom fan, as these will affect HERS testing. As a rater collects information, they might take photos of their instruments and conditions adjacent to the work.
Raters are also expected to explain that the HERS provider is required to perform quality assurance on the rater's work, and that the provider might contact the homeowner in the following weeks to schedule a quality assurance visit. This is to ensure that the rater is accurately testing and reporting at this home and many more throughout the year.
Contact Us for More Information
MPDLA
16501 Ventura Blvd. Ste 505
Encino, CA 91436
(310) 683-HERS (4377)
We perform ALL HERS Rating Field Verifications with competitive pricing.